The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has officially released the IIMC PhD Notification 2025–26 on its website. IIMC has announced 22 vacancies (18 full-time + 4 part-time) for admission to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme for the academic year 2025–26. Interested candidates can apply online from January 01, 2026 to January 30, 2026 through the official IIMC portal. Applicants must register online, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Eligible candidates with valid UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism) will be called directly for the interview. Part-time candidates will appear for an entrance exam on February 15, 2026. The final selection will be based on interview and NET percentile/entrance exam score. All updates and merit lists will be published only on the IIMC website.
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IIMC PhD Admission 2025–26 Notification
The IIMC PhD Admission 2025–26 Notification PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about seats, eligibility, selection process, fees, important dates, and programme structure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes guidelines for research proposal submission, NOC format, and undertaking for regional centre allocation.
Download IIMC PhD 2025–26 Information Brochure PDF
IIMC PhD 2025–26: Overview
The IIMC PhD Programme 2025–26 provides a rigorous research platform in media, communication, journalism, and allied fields. Below is a detailed overview with key information for research aspirants.
| Organization | Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Deemed to be University) |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Vacancies | 22 (18 Full-Time + 4 Part-Time) |
| Advertisement No. | As per IIMC website |
| Registration Dates | 01st January to 30th January 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | UGC-NET/Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Fellowship | UGC-JRF only (No institutional fellowship) |
| Official Website | www.iimc.gov.in |
| Application Portal | IIMC Online Portal |
| Eligibility | Master’s with 55% or equivalent; UGC-NET required for full-time |
| Entrance Exam Date | 15th February 2026 (for part-time) |
| Interview Start Date | 09th March 2026 |
| Coursework Commencement | 01st April 2026 |
IIMC PhD Vacancy 2025–26
The IIMC PhD Admission 2025–26 includes a total of 22 seats, distributed across full-time and part-time categories with reservations as per Government of India norms. Supernumerary seats for international scholars are also available.
| Category | Full-Time Seats | Part-Time Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Open | 6 | Open to all |
| SC | 3 | – |
| ST | 2 | – |
| OBC (NCL) | 5 | – |
| EWS | 2 | – |
| Total | 18 | 4 |
Note: Each category includes 5% PwD reservation. International candidates: up to 10% supernumerary seats.
IIMC PhD Apply Online 2025–26
The IIMC PhD Apply Online 2025–26 process will be active from 01st January 2026. Aspirants must fill the online application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee through the IIMC portal. A research proposal (2000 words) and statement of purpose (500 words) are mandatory uploads. Candidates must also submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed. Below is the direct link to apply online once activated.
How to Apply for IIMC PhD 2025–26?
Candidates applying for the IIMC PhD Programme 2025–26 must complete the process online only. A valid email ID and contact number are mandatory for communication.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the IIMC website (www.iimc.gov.in) and navigate to the PhD admissions section. |
| 2 | Register online and note your application number. |
| 3 | Fill the application form with personal, academic, and contact details. |
| 4 | Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, mark sheets, certificates, UGC-NET scorecard (if applicable), SOP, research proposal, and NOC (if employed). |
| 5 | Pay the application fee online (₹2500 for General, ₹1500 for reserved categories). |
| 6 | Submit the application and keep a printout for future reference. |
| 7 | Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview via email/website notice. |
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee online.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2500 |
| OBC/SC/ST/PwD/EWS | ₹1500 |
| International Candidates | USD 100 |
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IIMC PhD Eligibility 2025–26
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communication/allied disciplines with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS).
- Or M.Phil. with 55% marks in relevant discipline.
- Or 4-year Bachelor’s degree with research and minimum 75% marks/CGPA 7.5.
UGC-NET Requirement:
- Full-Time: Valid UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism) in Categories 1, 2, or 3.
- Part-Time: UGC-NET exempted if candidate appears for IIMC entrance exam.
Experience (Part-Time only):
Minimum 3 years of regular/contractual employment in media/communication industry.
Age Limit:
No age limit specified.
IIMC PhD Selection Process 2025–26
- Full-Time: Based on UGC-NET percentile (70% weightage) + Interview (30% weightage). No entrance exam.
- Part-Time: Entrance exam (70% weightage) + Interview (30% weightage). UGC-NET qualified candidates exempted from exam.
- Entrance Exam Pattern: Offline, 100 MCQs, 2 hours, no negative marking. Covers Research Aptitude (50 marks) and Subject-Specific Knowledge (50 marks).
IIMC PhD Fees 2025–26
Full-Time/Part-Time Total Fee: Approx. ₹87,000 (excluding semester-wise tuition).
International Scholars: USD 23,000 (consolidated).
Detailed fee structure is available in the information brochure.
IIMC PhD Important Dates 2025–26
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 01st January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th January 2026 |
| Entrance Exam (Part-Time) | 15th February 2026 |
| Entrance Exam Result | 20th February 2026 |
| Interview Shortlist | 23rd February 2026 |
| Interviews Begin | 09th March 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | 19th March 2026 |
| Admission & Registration | 23rd–27th March 2026 |
| Coursework Commencement | 01st April 2026 |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for IIMC PhD 2025–26?
Ans: The last date is 30th January 2026.
Q2. How many seats are available in IIMC PhD 2025–26?
Ans: There are 22 seats (18 full-time + 4 part-time).
Q3. Is UGC-NET compulsory for full-time PhD?
Ans: Yes, valid UGC-NET in Mass Communication & Journalism is mandatory for full-time candidates.
Q4. What is the application fee?
Ans: ₹2500 for General, ₹1500 for OBC/SC/ST/PwD/EWS, and USD 100 for international candidates.
Q5. Is there any fellowship?
Ans: Only UGC-JRF fellowships are available. IIMC does not provide institutional fellowships.
Q6. Can employed candidates apply?
Ans: Yes, for part-time PhD with 3 years of relevant experience and a valid NOC.
